NMCC's Jacob Keene named Louisville Slugger Newcomer of the Year

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Jacob Keene, a junior baseball player at New Madrid County Central has been named Louisville Slugger Newcomer of the Year by the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Keene was chosen as the top newcomer from all five classes for his performance in the spring. The outfielder, in his first year playing full-time with the varsity Eagles, was the lead off hitter and batted .350 with two home runs while scoring 26 runs.

"He was a good table setter for the guys batting behind him," said NMCC coach Joe McClarty. "He played a really good outfield for us."

The southpaw also saw action on the mound and at first base while helping the Eagles to a Class 3, District 2 championship.

The Newcomer of the Year award has been given since 2004 and Keene is the first player from Southeast Missouri to earn the honor. Tim Melville, who pitched this season for the Cincinnati Reds won the award in 2005 and Tate Matheny, son of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who is in the Boston Red Sox organization was honored in 2010. Other notable winners were Kelly Fick in 2004 who played at Mizzou, Keenan Maddox in 2006 who played at Missouri State and 2012 winner Nic Perkins who plays at Ole Miss.

Keene will be honored at the MHSBCA Hall of Fame Luncheon on Jan. 21 at the Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Mo.

"It's a pretty good accomplishment for him," McClarty said. "I'm very proud for him."